The praise of virtue

For so great is the influence of probity and chastity, that all men, or almost all men, are moved by the praise of these virtues; nor is any man so depraved by vice, but he hath some feeling of honour left in him. (Augustine. The City of God p69)

I think Augustine's view of depravity is part of what makes classical education appeal to me. It is not that seeing virtue will enable one to be virtuous (which would be a Pelagian notion), but that even in our fallen state, we are "moved by the praise of these virtues" in a way that convicts us of our own sinfulness, and calls us to repentance.

So the praise of virtue leads directly to the Gospel. The repentance required for virtue is impossible apart from Christ. I think this is the context in which we can read, and greatly profit from, the praise of virtue from any lips.